Opposed inductor improvements

ABSTRACT

The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application is a Divisional of, and claims priority to under35 U.S.C. §120, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/456,319,filed on Jul. 6, 2006, entitled, “Opposed Inductor Improvements” andhaving Dean Mayerle as the Inventor. The full disclosure of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/456,319 is hereby fully incorporated byreference. The patent application Ser. No. 11/456,319 was a Divisionalof now granted U.S. Pat. No. 7,093,547, filed on Feb. 5, 2004 andgranted on Aug. 22, 2006 entitled, “Opposed Inductor Improvements” andhaving Dean Mayerle as the Applicant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an implement for conveying products in anagricultural environment and, more particularly, relates to an improvednurse inductor assembly for conveying feed seed and other particulatematerial to a planting mechanism for application in an agriculturalenvironment.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

In recent years, product delivery systems have been employed inagricultural implements to deliver seed, fertilizer and herbicides toplanters and tool bars. As the size of agricultural implements continuesto grow, the versatility of such implements becomes more significant.Large air carts or air seeders have become increasingly popular forplanting seeds, fertilizer and other product without strict regard forthe exact placement of the product. Typically, these large air carts areused for dry land farming (e.g., cereal crops, etc.).

For certain crop planting applications that require row crop planting orseed singulation (e.g., corn, soybean, etc.), the air cart can becombined with a nurse inductor assembly adapted to feed seed or otherproduct from a larger storage hopper into smaller reservoirs located aton-row singulators or receivers. The combined air cart and nurseinductor assembly enables a farmer to singulate planting of seeds on-rowfrom one central hopper filling location. Thereby, the combined nurseinductor assembly and air cart allows a farmer to plant more acreagebefore having to stop to fill the central hopper again, resulting inquicker planting and less labor while maintaining the precision spacingavailable by on-row singulation.

FIG. 14 illustrates a nurse inductor assembly 20 known in the art. Theknown inductor assembly 20 includes an inductor chamber 25 positionedbelow a main feed hopper 26 of seed product 28. The inductor chamber 25includes forward and rearward walls 30 and 35, respectively, and abottom wall 40 that define an interior cavity 42 therebetween. Theassembly 20 further includes an inlet tube 45 that extends through theforward wall 30. The inlet tube 45 is angled relative to the forwardwall 30 in a downward direction toward the bottom wall 40. The assembly20 further includes an outlet tube 50 that extends through the rearwardwall 35. The outlet tube 50 is angled with respect to the rearward wall35 in an upward direction from the bottom wall 40. The diameter of theinlet tube 45 is shown equal to the diameter of the outlet tube 50. Thecross-sectional areas of the inlet and outlet tubes 45 and 50 areuniform throughout their lengths.

The interior cavity 42 is configured to receive a supply of seed productfrom the main feed hopper 26. A known pressurized or forced air system(not shown) provides a stream of forced air to an inlet end 55 of theinlet tube 45. The inlet tube 45 is configured to direct the stream offorced air in a direction toward the seed particulates so as to agitateand entrain the seed particulates into the air stream. The outlet tube50 is configured to pass the stream of forced air and entrained seedparticulates from the inductor assembly 20 to a seed distributionsystem. The seed distribution system generally includes one or moredistribution lines 60 operable to route or direct the stream of air andentrained product toward one or more receivers or singulators. Thereceivers are configured to perform on-row planting of the seed productto an agricultural field. Each receiver generally includes one or moremetering unit bins or mini-hoppers located on top of a respective seedmetering unit and an injector configured to uniformly apply the seedinto a furrow in the ground.

The nurse inductor assembly 20 induces seed product into the air streamwhen and where there is demand for the product at the receiver. Thedemand for product is controlled by the level of product in eachrespective receiver on the output end of the seed distribution line. Ina known mariner, the flow of air in the combined stream of air andentrained seed product escapes out an air vent at the receiver. Theremaining suspended seed product drops under gravity into one or moremini-hoppers or meter bins, and is then applied precisely into a furrowin the ground. The receiver is designed to allow air from the combinedstream of air and entrained product to escape when the seed particlelevel is well below the air vent, but to limit the amount of air toescape as the seed particle level approaches the air vent. A filledreceiver prevents the escape of air, thereby reducing the capacity ofthe air flow through the inductor assembly 20 to induce the seed productinto the distribution line. If the nurse inductor assembly 20 includes aplurality of outlet tubes 50, the flow of air will to go to thedistribution lines that have open receivers that exhibit less air flowresistance. As the seed product passes through the meter and is planted,the seed pile shrinks in the receiver or mini-hopper until the end ofthe distribution line is uncovered. At that point, the stream of air andseed product resumes through the distribution line, and the seed pile inthe mini-hopper is replenished.

The certain known nurse inductor assembly described above has severaldrawbacks. For example, the velocity of the combined stream of air andseed product through the distribution line 60 slows as the streamencounters the increased resistance associated with traveling throughthe deposited seed product at the receiver. Seed product allowed to beinduced into the distribution lines below the minimum carrying velocitycauses blocking of the seed distribution lines 60. Any seed product thathad been entrained into the slower flowing air stream drops out underthe force of gravity. A certain quantity of this seed product will fallback into the interior cavity 42 of the inductor chamber 25. Theremaining quantity of dropped seed product will deposit toward lowpoints in the distribution lines, increasing plugging opportunities.

In another example, FIG. 14 shows the certain known inductor assembly 20having the inlet tube 45 and the outlet tube 50 opposed to one anotherand of the same cross-sectional area. The distribution line 60 typicallyattaches over the outside surface of the outlet tube 50, and therefore across-sectional area of the distribution line is greater than across-sectional area of the outlet tube 50. This geometry of the knowninductor assembly 20 further enhances inducement of seed product intothe distribution lines 60 at or below the product's minimum carrying airvelocity. The inducement of seed product below the minimum carryingvelocity enhances plugging at or near the inductor and/or in thedistribution lines 60. This problematic plugging can be intensified byother additional variables—e.g., hillsides, humidity, longer deliverylines on larger machines, system air loss, etc. Furthermore, this knowninductor geometry causes seed product and particulates to be depositedin the distribution lines following shutting off the air pressure fromthe air pressure source. As the air pressure drops, known inductorassemblies continue to pick-up seed product and particulates until theair velocity drops below the minimum carrying velocity. As a result,seed product drops out of the air stream and settles down at low pointsin the distribution lines. Depending on the delivery rate and the airpressure shutoff speed, known inductor systems cause a significantamount of seed product to be deposited in the distribution lines,causing plugging and inhibiting planting operation. Therefore, it iscritical for known systems to have flat distribution lines.

Furthermore, certain known nurse inductor assemblies do not provide foran efficient method to clean-out or purge deposits of seed product inthe nurse distribution system. To clean-out certain known distributionsystems, an operator must empty the meter bins and/or mini-hoppersfirst, then empty the main storage hopper, purge the distribution lines,and empty the mini-hoppers again. This clean-out process is cumbersomeand very time-consuming. Furthermore, certain known nurse inductorassemblies do not provide a means for regulating the flow of seedproduct in the distribution lines other than by adjusting the speed of ablower fan. Variable speed adjustment of the fan is not equallyefficient for a wide range of seed product types and variable sizes.

Therefore, a need has arisen to provide an improved nurse inductorassembly and an improved method of forced air conveying seed productthat provide sufficient carrying velocity before the seed product entersa distribution line. The need has also arisen to provide an improvedmethod of regulating an induction rate of seed product conveyed in anurse distribution system. The need has also arisen to provide animproved method of cleaning-out or flushing seed product deposited in adistribution line of a nurse distribution system. The need has alsoarisen for an improved method of selectively directing the trajectory ofair into the inductor assembly for entrainment of seed product into anair stream for conveyance in a distribution line of a nurse distributionsystem. The need therefore has arisen to provide a simple, reliable,durable, and efficient system for conveying product in an agriculturalsetting or environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved inductor assembly forgenerating a stream of pressured air and product for distribution by anagricultural implement. The inductor assembly includes an inductorchamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive a supplyof product. The inductor assembly further includes an inlet tube and anoutlet tube. The inlet tube is configured to discharge a stream ofpressurized air toward a supply of product in the interior cavity of theinductor chamber. The stream of pressurized air engages the supply ofproduct so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air andproduct. The outlet tube is disposed opposite the inlet tube and isconfigured to pass the combined stream of air and product from theinductor chamber.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, a cross-sectional areaof a first or inlet end of the outlet tube is greater than across-sectional area of a second or outlet end the outlet tube. Thisconfiguration ensures that the stream of product in the outlet tube hassufficient carrying velocity before entering an attached distributionline for conveyance to the remote location.

In another embodiment, the inductor assembly of the present inventionincludes a trajectory control assembly configured to selectively directthe pressurized air stream into the interior cavity of inductor chamber.

In yet another embodiment, the inductor assembly of the presentinvention includes an adjustable outlet tube assembly having anadjustable outlet tube selectively extendable into the interior cavityof the inductor chamber. A cross-sectional area of an inlet end of theadjustable outlet tube is greater than a cross-sectional area of theoutlet end of the adjustable outlet tube, in a manner similar to thefirst preferred embodiment of the inductor assembly.

In yet another embodiment, the inductor assembly of the presentinvention includes a cover assembly having a cover and a pair of flapmembers configured to selectively regulate the discharge air to theoutlet tube. In one position, the flap members are configured to preventthe product from entering the outlet tube while simultaneously directingthe pressurized air from the inlet tube toward the outlet tube to purgedeposits of product in and downstream of the outlet tube.

The present invention also provides an improved product conveyancesystem for distributing a supply of product from a hopper to a remotelylocated distribution system. The system includes a source of airpressure operable to generate a stream of forced air, and a distributionsystem configured for applying product in an agricultural environment.The product conveyance further includes an inductor assembly configuredto provide a combined stream of air and product to the distributionsystem. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber, an inlettube, and an outlet tube. The inductor chamber includes an forwardsidewall, a rearward sidewall, and a bottom that define an interiorcavity therebetween configured to receive the supply of product. Theinlet tube extends through the forward sidewall is configured to providethe supply of air in a substantially downward direction into theinterior cavity of the inductor chamber and agitate the supply ofproduct to generate the combined stream of air and product. The outlettube extends through the rearward sidewall and is configured to pass thecombined stream of air and product from the inductor chamber. Across-sectional area of the outlet tube is larger than a cross-sectionalarea of the inlet tube. This aspect ensures that the stream of productin the outlet tube has sufficient carrying velocity before the productenters the outlet tube.

In another embodiment, the product conveyance system of the presentinvention includes a trajectory control assembly configured toselectively direct the pressurized air stream into the interior cavityof the inductor chamber.

In yet another embodiment, the product conveyance system of the presentinvention includes an adjustable outlet assembly having an adjustableoutlet tube movable to be selectively positioned in the interior cavity.A cross-sectional area of an inlet end of the adjustable outlet tubeincludes a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area ofan outlet end of the adjustable outlet tube, in a manner similar to thefirst embodiment of the product conveyance system.

In yet another embodiment, the product conveyance system of the presentinvention includes an inductor assembly having an adjustable coverassembly with a cover and a pair of flap members configured toselectively regulate the discharge air to the inductor chamber. In oneposition, the flap members are configured to prevent the product fromentering the outlet tube by allowing the pressurized air from the inletto travel directly to the outlet tube so as to clean out or purgeproduct deposited in and downstream of the outlet tube.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of generating astream of pressurized air and product generated with an inductorassembly having an inlet and outlet for conveyance to a remote location.The method includes the acts of purging product deposited in anddownstream of the outlet of the inductor assembly toward the remotelocation, and preventing product from entering the outlet tube duringthe act of purging of the deposits of product.

The present invention also provides another method of conveying productfrom a hopper to a remote location with forced air in an agriculturalenvironment. The method includes the act of providing a nurse inductorassembly configured to generate a combined stream of air and entrainedproduct. The assembly includes a chamber operable to receive the productfrom the hopper, and an outlet tube operable to communicate the streamof pressurized air and product from the inductor assembly for conveyanceto the remote location. The method further includes the acts ofproviding a trajectory control assembly configured to receive thepressurized air stream, and rotating the trajectory control assembly toselectively direct the stream of pressurized air into the inductorchamber.

The present invention also provides another method of conveying aproduct from a hopper to a remote location with forced air. The methodincludes the act of providing a nurse inductor assembly configured togenerate a combined stream of air and entrained product. The nurseinductor assembly includes a chamber operable to receive the productfrom the hopper, and an inlet tube operable to receive stream ofpressurized air. The method further includes the acts of providing anadjustable outlet assembly operable to communicate the stream ofpressurized air and product from the inductor assembly for transport tothe remote location, and moving the adjustable outlet assembly inward oroutward with respect to the product in the inductor chamber.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however,that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent likeparts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a side elevation view of anagricultural implement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a front view of a seeder in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a front view of the seeder of FIG. 2 inan operative position;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a firstembodiment of an inductor assembly in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an isometric view of the inductorassembly shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a secondembodiment of an inductor assembly in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a thirdembodiment of an inductor assembly in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inductorassembly along line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inductorassembly along line 9-9 in FIG. 7 in a first operative position;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inductorassembly along line 9-9 in FIG. 7 in a second operative position;

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of an inductorassembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inductorassembly along line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates an isometric view of the inductorassembly shown in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an inductorassembly of the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A wide variety of inductor assemblies for conveying product could beconstructed in accordance with the invention defined by the claims.Hence, while preferred embodiments of the invention will now bedescribed with reference to a seed product conveyed by an air cart, itshould be understood that the invention is in no way so limited. Thetype of forced air conveying apparatus or machine (e.g., spreader, etc.)can vary. While the description refers to use of the present inventionto convey seed product, the invention can be utilized to convey a widevariety of product (e.g., seed, fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, etc.)and is not limiting on the invention. In addition, the type and size ofthe seed product (e.g., soybean, corn, cereal grains, etc.) can vary.

1. System Overview

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an improved nurse inductor assembly 100 inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is combinedwith an agricultural implement. The preferred agricultural implementshown is a conventional air cart 105.

The air cart 105 generally includes a main or central hopper 110, and apressurized or forced air source 115. The forced air source 115 (e.g.,blower fan) is operable to provide a stream of pressurized air to theinductor assembly 100. The hopper 110 includes a regulator (not shown)operable to permit more or less seed product to pass from the hopper 110into the inductor assembly 100. The disposition of the falling seedproduct into the inductor assembly 100 is influenced by the type of seedproduct, because the properties (e.g., size, shape, weight, etc.) of theseed product affect how easily the air stream picks the product up.Furthermore, the difference in the angle of repose of the surface of apile of the seed product will vary with the type of seed product beingdistributed.

The inductor assembly 100 is configured to engage the stream of forcedair shown by arrow 116 provided from the forced air source 115 with theseed product fed from the central hopper 110. The forced air streamconveyed from the pressurized air source 115 to the inductor assembly100 pressurizes the inductor assembly 100, as well as agitates the pileof seed product accumulating in the inductor assembly 100.

The inductor assembly 100 is generally configured to direct or guide theforced air stream into a path that tangentially engages the seed productdropped from the hopper 110 into the inductor assembly 100. Theturbulence of the forced air stream agitates the accumulation of theseed product, separating and entraining the individual seed product intothe air stream.

The forced air stream also creates a vacuum in the inductor assembly 100such that the stream of pressurized air and entrained seed product shownby arrow 118 is swept toward and into one or more distribution lines 120that lead to a receiver or mini-hopper 135. The nurse distributionsystem includes a receiver header 130 connected to one or more receivers135. The individual seed product remains suspended or entrained in theair stream while passing through the distribution line 120 to thereceiver 135. In a known manner, the air bleeds off through an air vent(not shown) at the receiver header 130, and the entrained individualseed product falls by gravity into a second pile or mass at the receiver135. The receiver 135 is thereafter operable to singulate the seedproduct for application into a furrow in the ground.

The seed product in the inductor assembly 100 is suspended and carriedaway by the air stream only when the air stream velocity is above theminimum carrying velocity to entrain the seed product in the stream ofair. An air stream velocity below the minimum carrying velocity will notentrain seed and therefore seed will drop out of the air stream and fallback to the pile inside the inductor chamber.

2. Inductor Assembly

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a detailed view of a first embodiment of theinductor assembly 100 of the present invention. The inductor assembly100 includes an inductor chamber 150 disposed underneath and incommunication with the main hopper 110 of the air cart 105. The seedproduct flows from the hopper 110 into the inductor chamber 150.

The inductor chamber 150 includes an upstream or forward wall 155, adownstream or rearward wall 160, and a bottom wall 165 configured todefine an interior cavity 170 therebetween, similar to the knowninductor assembly 20 of FIG. 14. The wall 165 includes an upper surface172 configured to receive a pile of the seed product S from the hopper110.

The chamber 150 further includes an inlet tube 175 extending through theforward wall 155, and an outlet tube 180 extending through the rearwardwall 160. The inlet tube 175 includes an inlet end 181 configured toreceive the pressurized stream of air from the pressurized air source115. An outlet end 182 of the inlet tube 175 is disposed in the interiorcavity 170 of the chamber 150 and configured to discharge the stream ofpressurized air toward the supply or pile of seed product S in thechamber 150. The discharge of pressurized air from the inlet tube 175agitates the pile of seed product S so as to generate a combined streamof pressurized air and seed product. The proximity of the inlet tube 175and the outlet tube 180 through the forward and rearward walls 155 and160, respectively, of the inductor chamber 150 affects the amount ofseed product carried in the combined stream of pressurized air and seedproduct toward the distribution line 120.

A cover assembly 183 is disposed between the inlet and outlet tubes 175and 180, respectively. The cover assembly 183 includes a cover 184 andis configured to enhance agitation of the pile of seed product S and todirect the combined stream of air and entrained seed product toward theoutlet tube 180 by providing an air pathway between the inlet and outlettubes 175 and 180, respectively.

The outlet tube 180 of the inductor assembly 100 is configured todischarge the combined stream of air and seed product from the inductorchamber 150. The outlet tube 180 includes an inlet end 185 disposedopposite the outlet end 182 of the inlet tube 175. The inlet end 185 ofthe outlet tube 180 includes an inside diameter or respectivecross-sectional area that is greater than an inside diameter orrespective cross-sectional area of an outlet end 190 of the outlet tube180. The inside diameter or respective cross-sectional area of the inletend 185 is also equal to or greater than an inside diameter orrespective cross-sectional area of the distribution line 120 attached bya coupling 192 to the outlet end 190 of the outlet tube 180. The outlettube 180 also includes a conical portion 195 that connects the inlet end185 to the outlet end 190. The length and shape (e.g., linear,curvilinear, etc.) of the conical portion 195 can vary. The smallercross-sectional area or inside diameter of the outlet end 190 of theoutlet tube 180 allows the coupled distribution line 120 to have asmaller cross-sectional area or inside diameter relative to thecross-sectional area or inside diameter of the inlet end 185 of theoutlet tube 180. The larger cross-sectional area or inside diameter ofthe inlet end 185 relative the outlet end 190 of the outlet tube 180 andthe attached distribution line 120 prevents the combined stream offorced air and seed product passed into the outlet tube 180 andtraveling through the attached distribution lines 120 from travelingbelow the minimum carrying velocity of the seed product. Furthermore,this improved inductor assembly 100 reduces the amount of seed productdeposited in the distributions lines 120 when the forced air source 115is shutdown. As a result, less seed product is left deposited in thedistribution line 120 that could otherwise create plugging opportunitieswhen the air cart 105 is re-started.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of aninductor assembly 200. The inductor assembly 200 includes an inductorchamber 205 having forward and rearward walls 206 and 208, respectively,and a bottom wall 210 that define an interior cavity 212, and inlet andoutlet tubes 215 and 220, respectively, similar to the inductor assembly100 described above. The inductor assembly 200 further includes anadjustable outlet assembly 222 coupled to the outlet tube 220. Theadjustable outlet assembly 222 includes an adjustable outlet tube 225disposed inside the outlet tube 220. The adjustable outlet tube 225includes an inlet end 226 having a cross-sectional area greater than across-sectional area of an outlet end 228, and a conical section 230therebetween similar to the outlet tube 180 described above. Theadjustable outlet tube 225 is configured to slidably adjust such thatthe inlet end 226 can move inward and outward (shown in dashed line)relative to the interior cavity 212 of the inductor chamber 205. Theoutlet end 228 of the adjustable outlet tube 225 is configured to couplewith the distribution line 120. A cover assembly 235 is disposed betweenthe inlet and outlet tubes 215 and 220, respectively, similar to thecover assembly 183 described above.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a yet another embodiment of an inductor assembly 300of the present invention. The inductor assembly 300 includes an inductorchamber 305 having a forward and rearward walls 306 and 308,respectively, and a bottom wall 310 that define an interior cavity 312,and inlet and outlet tubes 315 and 320, respectively, similar to theinductor assembly 100 described above. The outlet tube 320 is attachedby coupling 192 to the distribution line 120 similar to the inductorassembly 100 described above.

The inductor assembly 300 further includes a trajectory control assembly322 coupled to the inlet tube 315. The trajectory control assembly isconfigured to selectively alter the trajectory of the forced air streaminto the chamber 305. The trajectory control assembly 322 includes atrajectory tube 325 slidably coupled inside the inlet tube 315. Asillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the trajectory tube 325 includes a one ormore deflectors or vanes 330 disposed at an angle (β) relative to acentral axis 335 of the inlet tube 315 and the trajectory tube 325. Theangle (β) of the deflector 330 is operative in directing the stream offorced air into the interior cavity 312 of the inductor chamber 305. Theangle (β) of the deflector 330 preferably ranges between zero to ninetydegrees. The trajectory tube 325 is slidably adjustable inside the inlettube 315 such that the angle (β) of the deflectors 330 is operable inselectively varying the direction of the forced air stream dischargedfrom the inlet tube 315 into the interior cavity 312 of the inductorchamber 305. The number, angle (β), and position (e.g., vertical,horizontal, staggered, aligned, etc.) of the deflectors 330 can vary.Furthermore, the size and shape (e.g., linear, curved, contoured, etc.)of the deflectors 330 can vary. The trajectory control assembly 322further includes a handle 340 slidably adjustable to control thedirection of the pressurized air stream into the interior cavity 312.The handle 340 is coupled to the trajectory tube 325 and disposedthrough a slot 345 in the inlet tube 315 to allow selective adjustmentof the angle of the deflectors 330 relative to the central axis 335 ofthe inlet tube 315 and trajectory tube 325. The position and rotationalrange of motion of the handle 340 relative to the inlet tube 315 canvary. A cover assembly 346 is disposed between the inlet and outlettubes 315 and 320, respectively, similar to the cover assembly 183described above.

FIG. 8 illustrates the handle 340 positioned at first and a secondposition (shown in dashed line) illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10 in regardto direction of the pressurized air from the inlet tube 315 into theinterior cavity 312 of the inductor assembly 305. FIG. 9 shows adetailed view of the trajectory control assembly 322 in the firstoperative position where the deflectors 330 are configured to direct thepressurized air stream in a downward direction, shown by arrow 347,relative to a central axis 335 of the inlet tube 315. FIG. 10 shows thetrajectory control assembly 322 in the second operative position wherethe deflectors 330 are configured to direct the pressurized air streamin an upward direction, shown by arrow 348, relative to the inlet tube'scentral axis 335. Although FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate direction of thepressurized air stream in an upward or downward direction, thetrajectory control assembly 322 is operable to direct the pressurizedair stream in any direction (e.g., left, right, etc.). The trajectorycontrol assembly 322 can be adjusted to selectively control the flow ofseed toward the outlet tube 320. In a first position, the trajectorycontrol assembly 322 diverts the force air stream in an upward directionto selectively reduce the flow of seed product toward the outlet tubeand/or to purge or clean-out deposits of seed product at or downstreamof the outlet tube 320. In a second position, the trajectory controlassembly 322 diverts the forced air stream in a downward direction toenhance the entrainment and flow of seed product toward the outlet tube320.

FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of an inductor assembly 400 of theinvention. The inductor assembly 400 includes an inductor chamber 405having a forward and rearward walls 406 and 408, respectively, and abottom wall 410 that defines an interior cavity 412 therebetween, andinlet and outlet tubes 415 and 420, respectively, similar to theinductor assembly 100 described above. The inductor assembly 400 furtherincludes an adjustable cover assembly 422 disposed between the inlet andoutlet tubes 415 and 420, respectively. The adjustable cover assembly422 includes a cover 425 connected on each side by a flap member 430.The cover 425 is generally aligned with upper portions 431 and 432 of anoutlet end 433 of the inlet tube 415 and an inlet end 434 of the outlettube 420, respectively. Each flap member 430 is generally linear-shapedand pivotal about each side of the cover 425. The flap member 430 ispreferably pivotal over a desired range of forty-five degrees, but therange can vary. The size and shape of the cover 425 and the flap members430 (e.g., linear, contoured, curved, angled, etc.) can vary to conformto the general profile of the outlet end 433 of the inlet tube 415 andthe inlet end 434 of the outlet tube 420. The composition (e.g.,metallic, plastic, etc.) of the cover 425 and the flap members 430 canalso vary.

Each of the flap members 430 is pivotally coupled by a pivot 435 to alinkage 440 connected to a control lever 445. The control lever 445 isoperable via each linkage 440 to selectively move the flap member 430inward or outward to selectively regulate the direction of forced airbetween the inlet and outlet tubes 415 and 420, respectively. Thereby,selective movement of the control lever 445 and adjustable coverassembly selectively regulates the proximity of the seed productrelative to the agitation zone between the inlet and outlet tubes 415and 420, respectively, and thereby controls the entrainment seed productand the flow of the stream of forced air and seed product toward theoutlet tube. The control lever 445 can be coupled to selectively orsimultaneously pivot a plurality of adjustable cover assemblies 422 of aplurality of inductor assemblies 400.

The flap member 430 is variably movable between a MAX OPEN and a CLOSEDposition (shown in dashed line). In the MAX OPEN position, the flapmember 430 is extended outward to its widest position. In this MAX OPENposition, the adjustable cover assembly causes the pile of seed productS to sustain a maximum distance from an agitation zone of the force air.This is best for small product as it easily is induced into the airstream for discharge through the outlet tube 420. The flap members 430are operable to pivot inward with respect to the cover 425, narrowingand confining the dispersal of the forced air stream discharged from theinlet tube 415. Narrowing dispersal of the forced air stream into thecavity 412 allows the height of the pile of seed product S to approachan agitation zone of the forced air near the inlet or outlet tubes 415and 420, respectively, and enhances entrainment of larger, coarser seedproduct that would otherwise be more difficult to entrain into theforced air stream. In the CLOSED position as shown in dashed line inFIG. 12, the flap members 430 are completely pivoted inward such thatthe forced air stream is directed or steered toward the outlet tube 420without engaging the pile of seed product S in the interior cavity 412while simultaneously preventing seed product from entering the outlettube 420. The CLOSED position of the flap members 430 also encloses thedischarged air from the inlet tube 415 toward the outlet tube 420.Thereby, the CLOSED position of flap members 430 of the adjustable coverassembly 422 causes the forced air stream to pass directly through theinductor assembly 400 so as to clean out or purge deposits of seed andother materials in the outlet tube 420 and the downstream distributionlines 120. The purging aspect of the adjustable cover assembly 422reduces plugging opportunities in the distribution lines 120 when theair cart 105 and distribution system are re-started. Furthermore, theadjustable cover assembly 422 allows the distribution lines 120 to bepurged or cleaned-out without having to empty seed product stored in thecentral hopper 110. Thereby, the adjustable cover assembly 422simplifies purging of the distribution lines 120 and distributionsystem. In contrast, certain known assemblies require emptying thecentral hopper to flush the distribution lines and distribution system.

The embodiments of the nurse inductor assembly 100, 200, 300, and 400described above are described in combination with the standard air cart105 having the central hopper and the pressurized air source. Althoughthe above-description referred to an inductor assembly combined with anair cart 105, it is understood that the nurse inductor assembly 100,200, 300, and 400 of the present invention is adaptable for use with astand-alone blower and product storage tank, as well as adapted forincorporating with other types of agricultural implements mounted on aplanter (e.g., no air cart). Furthermore, each of the above describedembodiments of the inductor assembly of the invention can be constructedintegrally with an air cart 105, or as a modular unit that can becoupled to a standard air cart structure to convert the air cart 105into a nurse inductor type. The conventional pressurized air deliverytubes can be sealed and remain on the air cart 105, while the nurseinductor assembly is interposed to receive the pressurized air streamfrom the pressurized air source 115. A connector mechanism canfacilitate the convenient connection of the nurse inductor assembly tothe air cart 105 as a modular unit.

Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that the presentinvention is not limited to the conveyance of seed product. The presentinvention can be used to convey numerous types of products (e.g., seed,fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, etc.) that exhibit suitableproperties for forced air conveyance. Furthermore, the typical air cartcan be provided with multiple hoppers or tanks containing differenttypes of products for application in an agricultural environment. Forexample, one tank could have seed product stored therein, while anothertank would have fertilizer and yet another tank could have herbicides orstill another reservoir of fertilizer. In such multi-tankconfigurations, one of the tanks could be provided with a nurse inductorassembly to convey seed product to the planting devices, while aconventional meter box is used to control the flow of fertilizer orother product to the planting devices by separate distribution tubes.Thereby, the forced air source on the air cart can be used for bothfertilizing and nurse distribution operations simultaneously.Furthermore, the combined air cart and inductor assembly can be used toapply the fertilizer or other product at a variable rate controlled byan electronic controller, as is known for precision farming techniques.Other alternative configurations can include one nurse inductor assemblyoperable to convey seed product to all the receivers (e.g., singulator),as well as multiple nurse inductor assemblies operable to convey seedproduct to any one particular receiver.

Furthermore, one or more aspects and/or features of the embodiments ofthe inductor assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 400 described above can becombined and/or interchanged with other aspects and features of theinductor assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 400 and is not limiting on theinvention.

Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes willbecome apparent from the appended claims.

1. A method of conveying a product from a hopper with forced air to aremote location, the method comprising the acts of: providing a nurseinductor assembly configured to generate a combined stream of air andentrained product, the nurse inductor assembly having a chamber operableto receive the product from the hopper, and an inlet tube operable toreceive stream of pressurized air; providing an adjustable outletassembly operable to communicate the stream of pressurized air andproduct from the inductor assembly for transport to the remote location;purging product deposited in and downstream of the adjustable outletassembly of the inductor assembly toward the remote location; preventingproduct in the chamber from entering the outlet tube during the act ofpurging of the deposits of the product; and moving the adjustable outletassembly inward or outward with respect to the product in the inductorchamber.